Steering In The Right Direction

After a week of pondering on my last two posts and reflecting upon all the comments, I am back with a more positive frame of mind. I knew that others felt like I did, but I was amazed at how many, and didn’t mean to bring you all down. However, it was one comment that really resonated with me that was written by Chris from Bushland Project, on the post Cognitive Dissonance, who rightly pointed out that it is better to be at the helm of the Titanic and help steer it away from danger, rather than be paralysed with fear, and give up all hope and smack into the iceberg. Her comment was a kind of wake up call for me, and I thank her, because I even managed to paralyse myself with my own words hence the lack of posts last week. The last few posts had been gloomy, and for that I apologise. I could make some crappy excuses that I have been in a lot of pain, and the pain relief has been doing weird things to my head, but I won’t (even though I was). Doom and gloom never inspired any individual to change the world for the better.

It is only in positive deeds and actions that we will see the change towards a sustainable future, and whether governments and corporations want to join us on our journey, well, all the better. After all, both these institutions are made up of people who also want a better world for their kids. You know, I really should take my own advice. That is exactly what this blog and my own journey is about;

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family’s Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

Just look at the bold text as it was staring me in the face all along. Of late, I have had a temporary lapse in judgement and maybe have been a negative influence. This blog was not started to induced fear into peoples minds. It was and will continue to set an example of what can and has be done on a limited budget so we can make a difference for our children’s and future generations to come. It was and still is built to show that with many little baby steps, a lot can be achieved towards combating climate change and to prepare for peak everything by a determined person. We can all make the small changes as my family and I have if you choose to. The choice is yours alone.

We can let our elected officials know what we think about their uninspiring policies and proposals. In 1936, Franklin D. Roosevelt said that, “A government can be no better than the public opinion which sustains it”. I agree and believe this to be true, so our only option is to change our opinion, moving towards the sustainable, and it is, albeit slowly. We have made so much amazing progress, but we need to force the issue even harder. Please join me in this effort whenever or wherever you can.

We definitely can show corporations that we will no longer put up with their unsustainable antics. This possible with the colour of our money by consciously choosing what we consume stuff. It is our choice alone, and after all, it seems of late, that money is the only thing that has the power to make change, either negatively or positively. This quote hits the nail on the head squarely;

An ethical person ought to do more than he’s required to do and less than he’s allowed to do. – Michael Josephson.

So, from now on, I promise a lot less doom and gloom unless I really need to vent badly (but I will warn you in advance that the post will be a rant), and focus on more educational posts about what we can all do to reduce our impact on the planet, keeping it habitable for our descendants and all species, and of course continue with the quirky and sometimes humorous adventures of the Greening of Gavin (and family)!

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

Related

About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Comments

You’ve inspired me Gavin, don’t be hard on yourself, everyone gets downhearted sometimes. I was paralysed by my inability to convince my children to join me but I decided to just keep chipping away in the hope that something will stick.

Sometimes when I buy things that are not local or not strictly necessary I wonder what you (and other inspirational bloggers) would say if you knew.

I must say, I did feel a bit out of sorts after reading that post. I though it over a bit, then decided I needed to put it out of my mind and refocus on where I am now!

I have been where you were (though not the pain or drugs!!) and I have worked hard to convince myself that what I am doing is right… I’ve worked through the cognitive dissonance and come up with a plan I am happy with, that is working for us. I can’t do everything, but I can be happy with our choices and positive impact, rather than feeling eco-guilt and getting overwhelmed.

I am glad you’ve sorted it out for yourself too (and I hope you are physically healthier soon too). But remember, it’s human nature to go through these cycles… sometimes we do need to get the ‘blues’ a bit, as you can come out the other side renewed and feeling much more focused and positive. So, go to it… get back behind the helm, and others will join in with you on the journey!

Follow my work

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

Feedjit

TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

Always inspiring and entertaining!

August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

ms

July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do.
Thanks Gavin, love it!!

Well worth your time to tune in

October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast !
I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to.
Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

very good

June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

opened my eyes

May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

A wonderful show!

Inspiring

April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

Green Living, inspiring and practical

January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

Local food equals less waste

December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

Honestly australian

December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

Morning motivation

December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

Passionate Advocate

October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

Gavin speaks from the heart

October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

Green thoughts, so well iterated

October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

Easy listening inspiration on being green

September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

Thanks Gavin!

August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm

August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

Green Podcasts

July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

Practical ideas and inspiration

July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

Interesting & easy to listen to

April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

Great green listen

April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese